Bushfire emergency: NSW South Coast, Hunter, Blue Mountains: Warnings as fire double in size
Roads are closed and residents told its too late to leave as winds of up to 90km/h stoke dangerous blazes.
A bushfire burning in the NSW south coast Shoalhaven region has almost doubled in size after being whipped up by westerly winds, prompting an emergency warning.
The fire north of Batemans Bay has burnt through more than 11,560 hectares and is quickly spreading east.
The Princes Highway has been closed between Termeil and the Kings Highway turn off, cutting access to coastal communities in the area.
The Rural Fire Service NSW has warned those living in areas between Kioloa and North Durras, including Depot Beach, Pebbly Beach, Pretty Beach and Bawley Point, that it’s too late to leave.
“Fire activity increased over the evening due to strong westerly winds,” the RFS said in an emergency warning.
You may have woken up this morning thinking it's mild - but dangerous fire conditions are likely this afternoon. Strong winds are forecast. These winds are likely to push a number of fires towards communities today. At 9am - 126 fires, nearly 50 not contained. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/vAMappuY4E
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 1, 2019
“Firefighters are working in the area to protect properties where possible. “Seek shelter as the fire impacts. It is too late to leave.” Two million hectares of land have been burnt since July in more than 7000 fires which have raged across the state in the “most challenging bushfire season ever”.
Very windy and dry conditions will see elevated fire dangers across parts of NSW today. 3 areas under a Total Fire Ban including the Greater Hunter, New England and Far North Coast. Know what you and your family will do if fire threatens and report all unattended fires to 000. pic.twitter.com/qc61lVVb2d
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 1, 2019
Blue Mountains blazes
Three “watch and act” alerts were also in place on Monday morning at Ruined Castle, south of Katoomba in the NSW Blue Mountains, and two in proximity in the Lake Burragorang area.
The fire at Ruined Castle is under control but slowly burning in a northern direction towards Cliff Drive, at Katoomba’s southern edge. Those around Cliff Drive have been told to monitor for spot fires.
Air quality in southwest Sydney, meanwhile, has been declared hazardous, with those suffering heart or lung problems recommended to stay indoors.
Six people have died while 673 homes and 1400 other buildings have been destroyed.
A total fire ban has been issued for Monday across the far north coast, Greater Hunter and New England regions due to forecast hot and windy conditions. “While it’s expected to be cooler tomorrow, it’s going to be very windy in many areas,” the RFS tweeted.
“This will present challenging conditions for several days with so many fires.” Air quality in southwest Sydney, meanwhile, has been declared hazardous.
There is predicted to be “very high” fire danger on Monday in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region right through Sydney and along the coast to the Queensland border. The New England, northern slopes and northwestern fire areas would also face “very high” danger.
The North Black Range blaze west of Braidwood was more than 20,000ha in size but was being controlled.
Additional reporting: AAP
At 2:30am more than 1500 firefighters and support crew are working to slow the spread of the 125 bush or grass fires burning across NSW, with 49 not yet contained. Conditions are set to worsen under strong winds today.
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 1, 2019
Image: Currowan fire (Shoalhaven LGA) Austinmer RFB. #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/OsrOrnvapo
Air quality in Sydney today is Fair overall, with Poor currently being experienced in some south western suburbs from smoke. Latest air quality readings: https://t.co/Edu1ceKUxd Latest weather forecast: https://t.co/fPA74dRIx4 Image: NSW Government pic.twitter.com/GkQdNTxQPN
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) December 1, 2019
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